Match Preview: AFC Totton (h)

Posted on 29th August 2026

Maidenhead United vs AFC Totton

Match Preview

Bounce back required as we head home for bank holiday Monday against AFC Totton.

Finishing bang on midtable last time round, it was a varied season for the Stags who became somewhat of a ‘giantkiller’ in the National League South. Our hosts in last November went into the game sat in third with 25 points from the opening 13 games. A game which would see them secure another three points to that tally with a 2-1 victory as Josh Umerah’s penalty was sandwiched between Joe Oastler’s opener and Christie Ward’s eventual winner. The reverse encounter was far more fruitful for United, as Umerah scored again before Josh Popoola scored a terrific left-footed finish into the far top corner.

Totton haven’t quite taken to the transfer market like other clubs over the summer, only recruiting eight new faces. A focus on retaining key individuals from last campaign looks to have been Scott Rendell’s focus securing the services of top scorer Tony Lee, along with Tyler Cordner and Christie Ward. Some impressive coups supplement the core that remains with Sol Wanjau-Smith and Reece Fleet arriving from Chippenham Town, joined by former Premier League and England Youth International Josh Sims. While representing his country at youth level, Sims was part of the squad to win the Under 17 Euros in 2014 alongside the likes of Dom Solanke, Joe Gomez and Chelmsford City star Mandela Egbo. A breakthrough star at Southampton, Sims took mere moments to secure his first professional assist setting up Charlie Austin inside the opening minute against Everton in 2016. He later made his Europa League debut just over a week later in a 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

There is far from an abundance of options of players who have played for both, but a man who has got off to a flyer in black and white this season has. Jordon Ragguette spent three years with the Stags between 2021 and 2024 and became an integral part of the side that won the Southern League Division One South title in 2023. Since his arrival in Berkshire in 2025, Jordon has made 44 appearances and broke his goalscoring duck last weekend against Farnborough. Manager Ryan Peters speaks highly of Jordon, stating when he extended his contract in the summer; "his ability and attributes are frightening and coupled with his relentless drive to be the best, means he will be a force to be reckoned with down the left-hand side.”

Totton's one to watch is there top scorer from last season Tony Lee. A proven goal scorer at non-league level, Lee scored 26 for Poole Town in 2021/22 and attratced interest up the footballing pyramid. His form last season was not far off that standard set, registering 20 times across all competitions including 15 league goals. His performances earned him the Stags' Fans' Player of the Season award last season, topping off a strong campaign.

Our famous face from Totton is former Premier League striker James Beattie. Despite being born up north, Beattie’s relation to the Hampshire side stems from his appointment as Director of Football for the Stags in 2024. He said upon appointment that he often frequented games at the Snows Stadium, partially down to his amicable relationship with the club’s CEO and owner Steve Brookwell. One of his first recruits was another former Southampton centre forward in Charlie Austin. He made 44 appearances in his single season stint scoring 13 in all competitions. For any of those fancying a link back to Maidenhead as well, Beattie was a teammate of MUWFC Manager Dave Kitson while at Stoke City mainly in competition with each other for the starting spot. His role concluded in October 2025 as he departed to join Reading as first-team coach.

Most recent results

Maidenhead United 2-0 AFC Totton (2026)

AFC Totton 2-1 Maidenhead United (2025)